When you are discussing texts or literature, it is important to always write in the past tense. This is because you are discussing works that have already been published, and therefore are already in the past. However, if you are discussing a work that has not yet been published, you can write in the present tense. For example, if you are writing an essay about a classic novel, you would discuss the author and the work itself in the past tense. However, if you are writing a research paper on a new book, you would discuss the author and the work in the present tense.
Other related questions:
Should you always write in past tense?
No, you don’t always have to write in past tense. You can use other tenses as well, depending on what you’re trying to communicate.
Should a literature review be in past tense?
There is no one answer to this question since it depends on the specific requirements of your assignment. In general, however, a literature review should be written in either the present tense or past tense, depending on which tense is more appropriate for the focus of your paper. For example, if you are discussing the history of a particular theory or concept, you would likely use the past tense. If, on the other hand, you are critiquing a current piece of research, you would likely use the present tense. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which tense is more appropriate for your paper.
What tense should be used for writing a literature review?
Most literature reviews are written in the past tense.